Do-it-yourself active milling cutter for a walk-behind tractor. Houndstooth milling cutter for walk-behind tractor

When a do-it-yourself "crow's feet" cutter is made, the drawings are prepared after determining the type of construction:

• with 3 rows (axle diameter 25 mm);
• with 4 rows (axle diameter 30 mm).

Structural elements

Before you make a milling cutter for a walk-behind tractor with your own hands, a design diagram is studied. The product is installed on a walk-behind tractor or a motor-cultivator with an appropriate axis diameter. The minus of the cutter is the absence of sharp edges and the winding of weeds on the blades. If necessary, additional elements are installed on a self-made structure. You can independently make a tool with one-piece and non-separable "crow's feet".

To make curly parts of a cutter for a walk-behind tractor with your own hands, you will need forging equipment. Specialists recommend paying special attention to the assembly of the structure. Otherwise, the axis of the walk-behind tractor will be violated. In the process of installing the product, the direction of rotation of the teeth is taken into account.

The “crow's feet” construction is assembled from elements up to 500 mm in diameter. This size limitation allows the tool to enter the soil up to 260 mm. Self-made knives should enter the ground consistently, without jerking or impacting. In order for the product to be used for a long time, experts advise adhering to certain rules. When starting the unit, the crow's feet are positioned above the ground. Then they start the revolutions, slowly lowering the blades into the ground.

To make a simple construction, use:

• metal pipe with a diameter of less than 42 mm;
• welding machine;
• parts used for digging up the soil;
• grinder.

Vehicle springs can be used as plowing elements. The blades are adjusted according to the parameters and bent in the desired direction. Using a welding machine, the elements are attached to the pipe from different sides. The blades are sharpened in the direction of their movement. The resulting structure is fixed to the walk-behind tractor. If irregularities are found in the operation of the unit, it will be necessary to remove and adjust it.

The saber cutter is able to perform almost all types of work due to the shape of its blades.

In order for the equipment to simultaneously plow the land and destroy the weeds, experts recommend making a soil milling cutter. This tool is used for sowing in the spring. Unlike crow's feet, the soil structure is presented in the form of bent sabers, which are fixed to the shaft in the desired order. In this case, the shaft rotation speed is equal to 200 rpm. The tool is installed on the back of the equipment. The operation of the unit depends on the PTO shaft.

The "crow's feet" cutter for a mini-tractor is presented in the form of a rotating shaft with blades. Due to the drive, the structure is immersed in the soil, lifting and shifting it. The width of each blade should not exceed 100 cm, the weight is 16 kg, the rotation speed is 2-5 km / h, the length is 38 cm, and the height is 38 cm. With this tool, the farmer can make beds, loosen the soil.

The blades for the device are made of steel with a thickness of 12 mm. Additionally, the material undergoes thermal hardening and high-frequency current treatment. Nodes and connections are installed as rigidly as possible. As a reducer, experts recommend using the pick-up-stacker PK-1.6. A non-collapsible cutter has a higher strength than a collapsible tool. For the processing of clay soil, it is recommended to make 2 crow's feet cutters. Do the same with early tillage.

To change the blade depth, an adjustable opener is made.

This sturdy plate is welded vertically to the walk-behind tractor. The final tillage depth is directly influenced by the tool diameter.

Conclusion on the topic

The saber shape of the legs ensures safe work on the walk-behind tractor. When hitting the root of a tree, the tool lifts it. At the same time, tillage continues. If you make a straight cutter, then it will catch on a stone or other obstacle, overturning the walk-behind tractor. The operator may lose balance.

In order for "crow's feet" to enter the soil smoothly, it is recommended to attach them to plastics. The latter elements are welded to the shafts at a certain angle. A similar method of manufacturing and collecting the cutter has a positive effect on the transmission of the walk-behind tractor. Knives can be made from carbon steel or leaf springs.

Other structural elements are made of steel ST-25, 20 and 10. These grades are easy to weld. If the diameter of the structure is 25 mm, then such cutters are installed on the Texas, Mole, Neva motor-cultivator. Four-row analogs are mounted on motor-blocks "Salut", "Farmer", "Cascade". When making a cutter yourself, you must have experience and skills in working with a welding machine. When fixing the elements, it is recommended to observe safety precautions (use a welding mask).

The motoblock has long taken its place in small agro mechanization. Compact size, maneuverability, the ability to install replaceable modules made it popular both in the countryside and in summer cottages. Land cultivation is one of the main purposes of this technique. In turn, cultivation cutters are the most demanded module that is installed on a walk-behind tractor. On sale, such elements are sold separately from the power unit, and are relatively inexpensive.

But if you have the necessary skills and knowledge, a cutter for tillage can be made by hand. It should be noted that some homemade products are much superior in quality and functionality to their factory counterparts.

Varieties of cutters for a walk-behind tractor

Structurally, the soil milling cutter is a set of tillage knives located on a rotating axis. Such a module consists of two parts, which are installed on the drive shafts of the wheels on both sides of the power unit. Due to this arrangement, the walk-behind tractor is able to move independently during cultivation.

You can also distinguish the type of motoblocks with mounted cutters, the rotational movement of which is given by the power take-off shaft. The module is located behind the power unit and does not participate in the movement. Motoblocks such as MTZ, Neva, Prorab, Sich, Agro are just produced in various modifications, with or without a power take-off shaft.

There are practically no differences in the manufacture of both mounted and conventional cutters. But for a milling cutter with independent rotation, a module is additionally manufactured with a drive from a power take-off shaft and an angular double-sided gearbox.

Active (saber)

Knife blocks on such cutters consist of four cutting elements spaced 90˚ apart. There can be 2, 3 or more such blocks on one side of the drive. The number of knives and the width of the module depends on the weight of the walk-behind tractor and its power.

The knives are curved strips of tough alloy steel. For self-production in the presence of heat treatment with subsequent hardening, spring steel of the 50HGFA type has proven itself well. The bends of the knives have alternately different directions.

The design of the active cutter allows for cultivation in areas with stones and roots without the danger of breaking the knives. But it is advisable to use this type of equipment on light processed soils.

"Crow's Feet"

The cutting elements of such cutters are made in the form of a triangle made of strong steel, located at the end of the rack. This location was the reason for the emergence of such an extravagant name.

As in the case of active cutters, the width and number of knife blocks is determined by the weight and power of the cultivator. The number of cutting elements located around the circumference in the knife block is from 4 or more. An increase in the number of knives implies a better crushing of the soil, but the power of the power unit will also need increased power.

These types of cutters are designed for the processing of heavy types of soil and virgin lands. The presence of branched root systems in the soil leads to frequent plugging of the module.

Both types of tillage cutters have their own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing an option for self-production, it is necessary to take into account the soil structure, the required degree of soil crushing, the layout and power of the power unit, the complexity and manufacturing methodology.

Manufacturing of crow's feet soil mills

Cutters of this type began to be massively used from the middle of the 80s of the last century. This was due to the development of self-made small-scale mechanization at that time. Since then until our time, this design has fully proved its right to exist. Structurally, this module can be divided into several main elements, which are manufactured separately and carry different functionality.

Drive sleeve

It is advisable to start making a soil cutter from this element. Since the bushing is subjected to heavy loads, it is manufactured on a lathe with a wall thickness of at least 5 mm, optimally 7-8 mm. The inner hole is machined on one side so that the cutter fits freely on the shaft without excessive play, with a tolerance of about 0.5 mm.

On the other hand, a groove is made for the landing of the axial pipe with a depth of 30-40 mm. This will allow you to get an axis-aligned connection without any problems. A hole is drilled for the fixing pin.

Axle tube with flanges

This element is made in collapsible and non-collapsible options to choose from. But there is one feature in favor of the collapsible option - the ability to install an additional knife block or vice versa. How the milling cutter will behave will finally become clear only after testing and, as often happens with homemade products, the result does not always meet expectations. For manufacturing, standard pipes Æ25-32 mm are used.

When making a collapsible version, it is necessary to carve out connecting sleeves, which are half inserted into the axial tube and fixed through the holes with rivets or electric welding. The protruding part will serve as a connection for a similar element.

A flange is welded onto the axial tube for fastening the knife stands. It can be turned on a lathe, or it can be made from metal strips with a thickness of at least 5 mm.

Holes are drilled in the flange for bolted or riveted connections with the uprights. The connection of this unit by electric welding is undesirable due to increased loads.

The length of the tube is selected depending on the location and width of the cutting elements. The number of workpieces must correspond to the number of knife blocks. Two blocks are manufactured with drive bushings.

Cutting element (knife)

It is made of strong non-brittle steel type 65-70G, 3-5 mm thick. The triangular shape of the knife is considered optimal for the least resistance when entering the ground.

As a knife, DIYers often use the triangular cutting element of a segment mower. Since the steel of the rack and the segment has a different composition, welding must be performed after tempering, followed by quenching. Cutters with such knives are used on clean work areas. For heavy, virgin soils, it is recommended to make cutting elements from thicker steel, which will allow a high-quality welded joint.

As practice shows, the optimal knife width is 50-80 mm. Larger dimensions create increased soil resistance.

Cutting element stand

It is most optimal to use the same steel that was used in the manufacture of knives, but it is quite possible to use strong, alloyed steels with lower physical and technical characteristics.

The stand of "crow's feet" is made of a straight or curved strip along the edge. It is advisable to sharpen the edge that is in direct contact with the ground.

Holes are drilled in the rack for fastening to the axle pipe flange. Cutting elements are welded on with subsequent hardening.

Knife block

By connecting the knife racks and axial tubes, an interchangeable modular cutting element is obtained. Only two blocks with welded-on drive bushings remain individual.

With the appropriate qualifications and the availability of the necessary equipment, the manufacture of this element will not be difficult. In order to avoid damage to materials and to prevent unnecessary body movements, it is advisable to draw up a detailed drawing before manufacturing or use a ready-made one.

How to assemble an active cutter

This type of homemade tillage equipment is most common due to the simpler manufacturing technology. With this arrangement, the cutting element and the stand are one piece and are made from a single piece of high-strength steel strip.

Before the stage "axial tube with flange", the process is identical to the manufacture of the "crow's feet" cutter for a walk-behind tractor. For this reason, consider the manufacture of cutting elements directly.

The pre-sharpened strip bends 90˚ when heated. The length of the folded part usually does not exceed 80 mm. It is advisable to combine the cooling of the workpiece with its release for comfortable drilling of the fastening holes. At the end, quenching and installation on the flange of the axle pipe is carried out.

When cultivating the soil with a milling cultivator of any type, some spread of soil is obtained, which makes it a little difficult to determine the boundary between cultivated and untreated soil. To avoid these problems, marking discs are installed on the edges of the cutter.

A walk-behind tractor is one of the most popular mechanization tools used today in both small and large farms. The unit allows the use of various replaceable modules, due to which its use is widespread in rural areas. The main purpose of this technique is considered to be the cultivation of the land. Due to this, the milling cutter is considered the most popular module. It can be purchased ready-made or made independently, for example, "crow's feet" for a walk-behind tractor. In the latter case, you will need knowledge and skills to work with the tool.

By design, ground cutters are a set of knives that are mounted on a rotating axle. They are designed to loosen the soil. A similar element consists of several parts:

1. Common types mount directly to the shaft drive from the wheels. Due to this, such devices are able to move independently during the cultivation process.
2. There are also mounted options, where the transfer of power to rotational movements is carried out by means of a shaft from the walk-behind tractor itself.

There are no particularly serious differences between mounted and conventional types of cutters. However, in order to use options equipped with independent rotation, it is important to separately make a model driven by a shaft, as well as an additional angular double-sided gearbox.

"Crow's Feet"

It is worth examining in detail the main options used for milling cutters for walk-behind tractors.

Active

Each block of knives in "saber" models has 4 cutting elements, each of which is at an angle of 90 ° to the nearest one. In total, 3 or more such units are installed per drive.

The number and width of the knives used is determined by the weight, as well as the power of the unit itself.

Each of the cutting elements in this design are curved strips made of sturdy alloy steel. In order to independently create such elements, spring steel is used, which is heat treated, and after quenching. In this case, the bends of the cutting elements alternate with directionality.

The use of an active cutter design is possible in areas where stones or roots are present, without fear of breaking the knives. However, it is recommended to use this type on light soil.

"Crow's Feet"

This version of the triangle cutters is installed on each column. As a result of this arrangement, these models received their characteristic name. Each of the cutting elements are made of durable steel. Similar to active cutters, the length, as well as the number of used blocks with knives, depends on the mass, as well as the power of the power plant of the walk-behind tractor. There are at least 4 cutting elements in one block around the circumference. And the more there are, the better the soil is ground. However, to increase their number, the engine power requirements are also increased.

Made according to classic drawings, the "crow's feet" cutters are used for the processing of heavy types of land, as well as virgin lands. But when used on the ground, where there are a large number of roots, they become the reason for blocking the module and the need for its subsequent cleaning.

Each of the listed options for cultivating elements for a walk-behind tractor has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, when choosing a suitable model, it is worth considering the type of cultivated soil where it will be applied.

Manufacturing according to the drawings of the cultivator "crow's feet" is recommended to be done using low-carbon steel. The knives in such units are self-sharpening, therefore, with the correct use of the device, they do not need sharpening.

Diagram of crow's feet

Creating crow's feet

The mass use of models of this type began in the mid-80s of the XX century. Their appearance occurred as a stage in the development of small-scale mechanization, after which the cutter showed its viability, as well as high efficiency. By its design, this option is divided into certain elements, which can be created separately. Before starting the assembly, it is recommended to examine the finished products. This will provide an opportunity to get acquainted with all the features of a particular type of working tool. As a result, it will be possible to draw up drawings of "crow's feet" for the walk-behind tractor with your own hands.

After determining the type of construction of the future unit, it is required to prepare the materials necessary for assembly. If there are certain curly parts in the option of interest, it is worth ordering their manufacture from a specialist. If you know how to work with blacksmithing equipment, you can create it yourself.

All other details can be easily done by hand. In the process of assembling crow's feet, it is important to carefully approach the installation of each element. Installation deviations should not be allowed, after all, as a result of this, the axis of the walk-behind tractor itself may be violated and a roll to one side will appear.

Drive sleeve

The creation of the soil cutter begins with the drive sleeve. Due to the fact that this element will constantly be subjected to serious loads, it is made using a lathe. So, the wall thickness should be approximately 7-9 mm, and its inner hole must be cut carefully to ensure free fitting on the drive shaft. In this case, there should be no backlashes. A hole is created on the back, where the axial tube will be inserted, the insertion depth of which will be approximately 35 mm. This design of the element allows you to create a joint that is completely aligned along its axis.

Additionally, you need to make a hole where the fixing pin will be inserted.

Axial tube

Such a part can be either collapsible or not. If it is necessary to change the number of knife blocks over time, it is recommended to give preference to options that can be disassembled. In the process of creating such a structure, connecting sleeves should be turned. In the future, they are half pushed onto the axle, after which they are fixed by means of welding or special rivets. The part of the element that will protrude allows you to connect another similar element.

How such a milling cutter will behave in the work is determined only in the process of field tests. The result may not always correspond to desires.

After that, a flange is welded to the created axle tube, which will be used for the installation of knife stands. This element can be made on a lathe or welded from metal strips having a thickness of about 5 mm. A hole is drilled in it to create a future connection with the posts.

Due to the increased load, the elements must be fastened with rivets or by means of bolts. How long the tube will be is determined by the location as well as the width of the knives used. Their number also depends on how many blanks are required to be made.

Cutting elements

In order to create future knives for a walk-behind milling cutter, it is important to use strong steel with a thickness of at least 5 mm. The most optimal is the triangular shape of the cutting elements. This allows the least resistance to be created as it enters the ground. Often, cutting elements taken from a segment mower are used in this capacity. But in this case, before welding, you will need to pre-harden the knives. It is recommended to use models equipped with such cutting elements only on clean soil. To work on virgin soil or other heavy soils, you need to use stronger knives.

The width of the knives should be between 50-90 mm. Too large options create increased resistance and lead to frequent breakdowns.

Assembled crow's feet

Cutting element stand

The part of the edge that touches the soil needs to be sharpened, and then holes are made through which it will be mounted on the installed flange. At the end, knives are welded to it, and then they are hardened.

Knife block

The last element is the connection of the resulting blocks of cutting elements directly by the drive sleeve. It is important to strictly adhere to the drawings in order to prevent damage to materials.

Assembling the active cutter

Due to the simple creation technology, this type of cutter is widespread. In it, knives, as well as racks, are a single element. For its manufacture, a single piece of metal is used, made of high-strength steel. The use of such units is considered safer than crow's feet, and there is also less risk of injury to a person during their use. Due to the sequential placement of cutting elements, they smoothly enter the ground, without impacts. The manufacturing process prior to the creation of a pipe with a flange is completely analogous to the "caterpillar feet".

It is worth taking a closer look at how knives are made. First, after heating, a strip of metal is bent so that the length of the resulting curved part is no more than 80 mm. After that, the fastener is drilled and the workpiece is cooled. At the end, the element is hardened and mounted on the flange.

Self-production of a cutter for use on a walk-behind tractor requires tools and the ability to work with them. In addition, it is necessary to draw up drawings of the product being created and strictly adhere to them. Any deviations in details can cause incorrect work of future "crow's feet".

A walk-behind tractor is a full-fledged assistant where manual labor in the field or in the garden takes too much time and requires a lot of physical effort. Today, a small-sized unit can be found in almost every yard or farm, so it is a useful "thing". And in fact, the range of tasks that can be easily performed is quite wide, all kinds of land cultivation, cultivation of beds and even harvesting. And the presence of additional hook-on attachments only enhances the capabilities of a miniature tractor. One of the most effective acquisitions can be "crow's feet" for a walk-behind tractor.

What does a walk-behind tractor need "crow's feet" for?

One of the main functions of a walk-behind tractor in a field or garden is high-quality plowing of the land on the site for further planting or sowing. For its implementation, milling cutters are used - the main working element of the walk-behind tractor. This is the name of the axis on which knives of various configurations are put on. When rotating around the axis, these knives seem to cut the ground, thereby plowing it. Thanks to this, cutters are also called soil cutters. When working on the site, not only the land is pruned, but also the plants growing in it. Thus, the cutters plow the soil and also fight weeds.

There are several types of cutters. The most common are saber-shaped, with a speaking shape of knives. As a rule, this is a collapsible design. On the contrary, the nozzle for the "crow's feet" walk-behind tractor is not disassembled into parts, but has a cast configuration. They are made from carbon steel. The main feature of the "crow's feet" is the triangular shape of the knife ends, which ensures sufficient crumbling and mixing of the soil. Such a continuous configuration is due to the need for strength when working on solid ground, virgin soil, and its cultivation. Such can be considered areas where the earth is with large lumps.

Features of plowing "crow's feet" with a walk-behind tractor

Basically, the described nozzle is used for plowing a plot for potatoes, when it is necessary to remove large clods of soil or to prevent development. By the way, gardeners note the fact that weeds are perfectly wound on the "crow's feet", but they are not cut down. In this regard, speaking about whether it is necessary to sharpen the "crow's feet" on the walk-behind tractor, we can recommend this procedure. The fact is that manufacturers do not sharpen the edges of the knives of this attachment. After sharpening, you will notice that medium-sized weeds are easier to cut, and work on hard ground is much easier.

How to choose crow's feet cutters?

When choosing this important component of the walk-behind tractor, first of all, it is important to pay attention to the size of the "crow's feet" for the walk-behind tractor. This is more related to the correspondence of the diameter of the axis of the attachment for the landing shaft of the model of your unit. They are produced in sizes 30 mm and 25 mm. Moreover, on milling cutters with a diameter of 25 mm, there are three rows of three knives each. Such products are suitable for motoblocks such as "Texas", "Neva", "Caiman", "Mole" and others. Models "Crow's feet" with an axis diameter of 30 mm are selected for motoblocks such as "Cascade", "Salute", "Caiman Vario", "Master Yard" and others. On such a product there are not three, but four rows of knives. Moreover, the width of the treated surface is increased.

Another criterion that you should pay attention to when selecting "crow's feet" cutters for a walk-behind tractor is the outer diameter, which, accordingly, depends on the plowing depth. The larger this diameter, the deeper the knives are able to cut into the soil. Meanwhile, the quality of the "crow's feet" must be at the same level, otherwise metal breakage cannot be avoided.

Having enough desire, time and straight arms, you can easily create a milling cutter for a walk-behind tractor. An active do-it-yourself milling cutter for a walk-behind tractor can be made by hand. The milling cutter of the walk-behind tractor is attached to a trailing device, like any other attachment, such as a harrow.

Purpose of equipment

Using a walk-behind tractor with an active milling cutter, you can process different types of soil. The cutter, in this case, affects the following factors:

• the final quality of the plowed land;
• how convenient it is to control the walk-behind tractor;
• how efficiently the power unit works;
• how reliable the transmission is.

Both factory-made and self-made cutters are the working body of the walk-behind tractor when you need to plow something. Knives called "crow's feet" are very common. They can be placed to loosen the soil, create a specific structure for a specific layer of the earth. They can also destroy weeds directly during the cultivation of arable soil, the main thing is not to forget to sharpen.

It should be remembered that the material that served as the basis for the knives installed on the walk-behind tractor directly affects how good and deep the tillage will be. If you do not know how to make a good milling cutter or how to install a milling cutter you have created on a walk-behind tractor, read on.

It is generally accepted that mounted milling cutters for walk-behind tractors, created using forging with self-sharpening, are better than others. You can create such a cutter yourself using stamped steel sheets as a base. Such cutters will have a cutting edge that will need to be sharpened.

Common varieties

Most often, goose feet cutters for walk-behind tractors are created from such sheets. But there is another type, it is called "active" or "saber" cutter. They are considered the most suitable for most land work and have been proven to work effectively over many years of agricultural research. In order to make a milling cutter for a walk-behind tractor, you will need high quality carbon steel with an increased strength factor.

Active knives have a collapsible design, which distinguishes them from other types of cutters. This feature will traditionally allow you to assemble and install active milling cutters in the shortest possible time: within a few minutes.

The high carbon steel from which such active knives are made cannot be welded in any way. To improve the characteristics of the mechanical strength of products of this type, during their creation, thermal hardening is used, and they are also processed with high-frequency electric current.

Called crow's feet, it is used when plowing stony and uneven soil is required. There is an average value of the permissible speed of work with cutters and a cultivator - from two to five kilometers per hour, otherwise no one can guarantee a long service life of the cutters.
Remember that if there is clay soil in the area you are going to cut with a carbon steel cutter, then the knife should be regularly inspected for defects.

Assembly features

Assembling a cutter for a walk-behind tractor requires preparing the corresponding drawings of the device in advance, since if you assemble the cutter incorrectly, then during operation the cultivator will begin to deviate from the selected direction line. As a result, the cultivation of the land will be much more difficult. The blades of the cutter must be inserted into the slots specially created for this and fixed in them using bolts.

Especially a lot of attention needs to be paid to the process of placing the cutting edge of the petal. The element to be installed must be positioned in the direction of travel so that the sharp end can freely penetrate the soil and leave a good mark after itself. A correctly installed cutting element will help you avoid common mistakes that usually plague beginners who use a rotary tiller in their area.

The additional section of knives should be fixed to the main section using pins. Also, a metal disc must participate in the design of a heavy walk-behind tractor, which must be connected to the frame using the bolts intended for this.

How many blades your walk-behind tractor will have should be determined in advance and choose their number wisely. And that means - with an eye on the power of the motor-block motor. You can assemble cutters on a walk-behind tractor by using not one axis, but several. When assembling a four-blade cutter, keep in mind the sequential arrangement of the knives on the left and right.

Hand-made production

To independently create a milling cutter for a walk-behind tractor, you will need to take:

• a tube with a diameter of 42 mm made of metal, which was already mentioned above;
• welding machine;
• a grinder, that is, an angle grinder;
• you will also need a diagram that you will use when assembling the cutter.

If you want to create a walk-behind tractor with a cutter, you can use a former plate from a car spring as a base. When making the blade, adjust it to size and bend it to the angle you want. Using a welding machine, weld all cutting parts to the tube. Sharpening the milling cutters of the walk-behind tractor occurs when you put everything together. When the structure is assembled, it should be docked with the hitch assembly of the walk-behind tractor, and adjusted during a test run.